SIMBA Sports Club will tonight face Moroccan giants RS Berkane in the first leg of the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup final, with kickoff set for 10:00 PM East African Time at the Berkane Municipal Stadium.

The match marks a historic milestone for the Tanzanian side - commonly known as the Msimbazi Reds -as they aim to secure their first-ever continental title and cement their name in African football history.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Simba head coach Fadlu Davids (pictured) stressed the importance of executing their tactical plan with precision, pointing out that scoring an away goal could be crucial in the two-legged tie.

“This won’t be an easy game. RS Berkane have had a great campaign, just like us. This is the kind of match that demands full concentration and discipline for the entire 90 minutes,” said Davids during the team’s final training session.

“We have a game plan that we believe in. If the players implement it as we’ve prepared, we can return home with a favorable result ahead of the return leg, which we’ll play in front of our fans.”

However, Simba’s preparations have been overshadowed by venue controversy after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that the second leg - initially scheduled for Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam - will now be held at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.

The announcement caught many fans off guard, particularly those who had already begun arranging travel to Dar es Salaam. The move has triggered widespread debate and raised questions about the criteria used by CAF in making the switch.

Despite the confusion, Simba leadership has urged calm, asking fans and players to remain focused on tonight’s match. The club has assured stakeholders that an official statement on logistics for the return leg - slated for May 25 - will be issued after tonight’s game.

Simba’s journey to the final has been defined by resilience and tactical maturity. Drawn into Group A alongside CS Constantine (Algeria), Bravos do Maquis (Angola), and CS Sfaxien (Tunisia), the Tanzanian side emerged as group winners with 13 points from four wins, one draw, and a single loss. 

CS Constantine followed closely with 12 points.

In the quarterfinals, Simba faced Egyptian side Al Masry in a closely contested affair that ended 2-2 on aggregate. The Tanzanian club held their nerve in the penalty shootout, winning 4-1 to advance.

They then edged past South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC with a narrow 1-0 aggregate victory in the semifinal, showcasing composure and discipline across both legs.

Although RS Berkane bring considerable pedigree to the table - with two Confederation Cup titles in 2020 and 2022 - Simba enter the final in top form and full of belief. 

Under coach Davids, the team has undergone a significant rebuild, signing over 15 new players in the past two transfer windows.

That overhaul has paid dividends, with the squad showing marked improvement and chemistry throughout the tournament. A mix of experienced leaders and hungry young talent has brought balance and depth to the side.

Notably, Simba rank fourth in the latest CAF club rankings - one position above Berkane. This standing reflects the Tanzanian club’s consistency in continental competitions and adds a layer of confidence heading into the final.

With the away goals rule still in effect, Simba will be aiming for at least a draw - or ideally a narrow win - tonight to bring back an advantage to East Africa.

As they take the field under the lights in Berkane, Simba will carry the hopes of millions of Tanzanians. With discipline, strategy, and belief, the Msimbazi Reds are on the brink of rewriting their history and bringing home continental glory.